A Dad’s Magic

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The other day I was scheduling a lunch date, and I made the offhanded comment to my friend that I could come any time because it was one of Ryan’s days with the kids. She kind of looked at me and said, “Wow. You got one of the good ones.” And it totally stopped me in my tracks. Because obviously, she’s right. But also, it hit me how I probably take so much for granted when it comes to the kind of dad Ryan is.

There’s this thing that’s been happening lately when it comes time to change Maggie, whether it’s to a fresh diaper or clean clothes. She. Freaks. Out. It’s like wrangling an angry wild animal, and no matter how many different approaches I take, she won’t have it. So Ryan taps in. And within minutes, she goes from that wild animal to a happy, babbling baby, completely pleased to do anything daddy needs her to do. (I swear. Photo evidence below.) It’s a dad’s magic.

And even if I studied his technique, I’m sure I couldn’t recreate it. The dad’s magic is a pretty elusive thing. When you break it down, it’s really just some well-timed tickles combined with blowing raspberries on her tummy, and asking her to touch his nose about twenty times. But she falls for it hook, line, and sinker every time. It’s almost like she’s just been waiting there for dad to take over diaper duty so that she can have a few special moments, just the two of them. Maybe she’s the one playing us.

Those diapers, by the way? Ryan brought them home. Just like he has almost every package of diapers since our kids were born. He took that job on himself, just another example of something that I probably should thank him out loud for every day. I mean, what husband brings home the diapers and does half of the diaper changes?! He always brings home Pampers — it’s the brand we’ve entrusted with both of our babe’s buns since their very first days. Pampers Baby Dry is a favorite because they’re not bulky whatsoever but they keep Maggie dry for up to 12 hours (thanks to the Extra Absorb Channels). Pampers is close to my heart because they’re so good to babies and parents, testing all of their diapers with pediatricians, dermatologists, and moms.

So this weekend, we’ll be giving Ryan extra hugs for taking such good care of us now and always. I don’t know how we hit that dad jackpot, but boy did we ever. Happy Father’s Day to our favorite dad, and to all of the wonderful men in your life, whether it’s your own dad, your child’s dad, or a beloved father figure. There’s nothing quite like a dad’s magic. xoxo

This post is sponsored by Pampers. All ideas and opinions are my very own. Thank you for being supportive of the partners who help keep Lovely Indeed rocking!